Dream come true as Shropshire footie fan mascot for Man City's Barcelona clash

It sounds like a dream, but it came true for a Newport football fan. Liam Norton, seven, who goes to Newport Infants School, was one of the mascots during last week's Champions League clash between Manchester City and Barcelona.

As well as getting to look around the stadium, meet the players getting off the bus and have a slap-up meal, Liam got to walk on to the pitch holding Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho's hand and stick around to watch the game, which Barcelona won 2-1.

His mother, Natasha Norton, said: "It was amazing, it was brilliant for him to be part of. In his own words he said 'mum, that was epic'.

"He was entered into a Mastercard competition and we got a phone call about two weeks ago to say he had won a chance to be a mascot at the game.

"We went up to Manchester on Tuesday and he was treated like royalty by Mastercard, it was incredible. They took him in at 5pm, two hours and 45 minutes before kick off, and gave him an official Uefa kit.

"There were 11 mascots for both teams and they stood at the side as Man City players got off the bus and they were able to high five them.

"They were able to get back on to the pitch and watch them all train and they got pictures with the Champions League trophy. They were given food and both myself and my son given tickets to the game. He is a big football fan and he enjoys watching it. He was hoping to get Messi but he walked out with Fernandinho and he was talking to the players.

"It was such a huge deal because of the two teams that were playing but everyone was so respectful to the children. He just want to do it again but he knows it was a once in a lifetime."

The youngster has since impressed his school friendswith pictures and souvenirs.

His mother added: "I do not think any of his friends believed him beforehand, so he has told all his friends about how it went and he has taken his kit into school."